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Ontological Research Group


Principal Investigator: Marek Hatala
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Ontologies are high level conceptual models capturing important entities and their relationships in the domain of interest. They are based on logic and as such are well suited to apply reasoning. The Laboratory for Ontological Research (LORE) engages in the research where we want to achieve a significant advancement by applying ontologies and reasoning. Dr. Hatala and Dr. Gasevic are two core faculty members leading a group of 7-8 graduate students. There are three main areas of research:

First, interoperability is the most active area of the research with the longest history in our group. We studied and developed systems to support interoperability in large distributed systems such as e-learning networks. We developed interoperable solutions based on peer-to-peer and web services platforms, including security policies. We use ontologies and metamodeling to develop internal representations of languages (such as models of policy languages) and to interoperate between systems that are based on different formalisms. Currently, we are using metamodeling and reasoning to interoperate between languages for engineering of service-oriented architectures, including business process modeling languages, policy languages, and execution languages.

In the second area of research in our group, we model learning environments, learning content, and learners to provide learning support in specific learning situations. Currently we focus on developing support systems for mobile learning, i.e. facilitating learners on-the-go.

Finally, in the third area, we have continuing research in user and user group modeling, in particular in the ubiquitous, or ambient intelligence environments. We study how we can unobtrusively observe users' actions to understand users' goals and intentions and make the environment pro-active. We are working on a series of museum guides projects in collaboration with other groups at SIAT.

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Research  //  Groups

Advanced Media Research Group
Examines emergent technologies such as high-definition television, high dynamic range video, 3D imagery, and improved audio capabilities.
BioV Research Group
Investigates new methods for the visualization and understanding of biological data.
CATGames Research Group
Exploring the development of artificial intelligence algorithms for believable characters.
Computational Design Canada Group
An interdisciplinary group focusing on design and how it is being transformed by computation.
Connections Lab
Studies the design of technologies aimed at connecting people through space and time
DVV Research Group
Design, vision and visualization in both theoretical and applied contexts.
EMIIE Lab
Exploring the development of tools and techniques to enhance interactive experiences, including games, virtual environments, and interactive narratives.
iSpace Research Group
immersive, spatial, perception, action/art, cognition, embodiment.
iViz Lab (Interactive Visualization Lab)
Creating more socially engaging systems that enhance communication, collaboration and learning.
Metacreation, Agents and Multiagent Systems (MAMAS) Group
Focuses on the theory and practice of Metacreation, Agents and Multiagent Systems.
Ontological Research Group
Using ontologies - complex conceptual models – and reasoning to achieve breakthroughs in other fields. Active areas of research include software engineering, service oriented architectures, and user modeling, museum guides, and e-Learning.
Science Lab
Conducts field studies and laboratory experiments to understand how humans can use information and communication technologies to achieve cognitive goals.
Social Ec(h)o Research Group
Designing interactive systems that will have everyday value.
Transforming Pain Research Group
Building better computerized aids to help patients through meditation, biofeedback, and innovative technologies such as immersive virtual reality (VR) and visualization therapy.
Visual Analytics Research (VAR) Lab
Develops new visualization systems for law enforcement, health sciences, critical infrastructure protection, and aerospace uses.
Whisper[s] Research Group
whisper[s]: wearable, handheld, intimate, sensory, personal, expressive, responsive system